A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck 40km (24 miles) west of the city of Herat at about 11am on Saturday (06:30 GMT), with strong aftershocks felt in the neighbouring Badghis and Farah provinces.
According to reports, the death toll has hit a new high of more than 2000 people and thousands injured. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a statement claiming the numbers could rise as rescue efforts are underway.
“Partners and local authorities anticipate the number of casualties to increase as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people may be trapped under collapsed buildings.”
The United States Geological Survey said the quake’s epicentre was about 40km northwest of Herat city. It was followed by three very strong aftershocks, measuring magnitude 6.3, 5.9 and 5.5 as well as lesser shocks. This led to collapse of buildings and more people are trapped in the rubble as rescue missions continue to take effect.
Disaster authority spokesperson Mohammad Abdullah Jan said that the earthquake and aftershocks damaged homes in four villages in the Zenda Jan district in Herat province. There were also reports of widespread damage to houses in the Farah and Badges provinces. This led to the dispatch of 12 ambulances by World Health Organisation in Afghanistan to help with the rescue mission.
“As deaths & casualties from the earthquake continue to be reported, teams are in hospitals assisting treatment of wounded & assessing additional needs. WHO-supported ambulances are transporting those affected, most of them women and children” said WHO on X, Formerly Twitter
The taliban also released a statement asking for support. “We ask our wealthy compatriots to give any possible cooperation and help to our afflicted brothers,” the Taliban said on X.
Latest reports indicate that death toll hits 2000 as more people are feared injured and trapped under buildings.
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